Crime
Spate of number plate thefts hits North Street, Pembroke Dock

AT LEAST six vehicles were targeted for their number plates on North Street in Pembroke Dock this weekend, sparking concerns among local residents . The thefts, part of a seemingly increasing trend, have prompted calls for heightened action from local law enforcement.
According to Christina Cogger, a resident affected, this worrying pattern has evolved from previously more common forms of vehicular theft.
She expressed frustration, suggesting the lengths to which vehicle owners might have to go to protect their property if something is not done soon.
Joshua James, another local, reported an attempted theft on his vehicle.
Despite capturing the incident on CCTV, the footage was insufficient for identifying the perpetrators. This incident underscores the challenges faced by the community in deterring and solving these crimes.
The series of thefts have led to widespread consternation, with residents questioning the effectiveness of police response to these incidents.
Karen Breaker voiced a common concern regarding the actions taken by authorities to address the situation.
Ray Roberts reported that clear CCTV footage of an attempted theft, occurring at 12:45 am, had been secured and would be submitted to the police, offering a potential lead in the investigation.
The problem extends beyond North Street, with reports of similar incidents in the Pennar area, indicating a broader issue that affects multiple neighborhoods. Victims and sympathisers, including Sally Thomas and Laura Dagger, shared their experiences, expressing the inconvenience of having to get new plates made at short notice.
A police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police has received a number of reports of the theft of vehicle number plates in the Pembroke Dock area.
“The incidents were reported to have taken place in the North Street, Britannia Road and School Gardens area sometime overnight, Sunday February 4th and Monday February 5th.
“Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
Crime
Milford Haven man banned for three years after second drug-driving conviction

A MOTORIST who claimed to have taken cannabis “several days” before being stopped by police was found to have over four times the prescribed legal limit of the drug in his system.
Antonio Rodrigues, 27, was pulled over by officers just before 3:00pm on September 13, 2024, while driving his Smart car along an unclassified road off the A40 in Slebech.
A roadside drugs wipe proved positive, and further blood tests at the police custody suite confirmed he had 9.8 mcg of cannabis in his system—well above the legal limit of 2 mcg.
Haverfordwest magistrates heard this week that this was Rodrigues’ second drug-driving offence in a ten-year period.
“He’d taken the cannabis some days before, and there was nothing wrong with his driving,” said his solicitor, Michael Kelleher, after Rodrigues, of Croeso, Steynton Road, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to the offence.
“He had no idea he was over the limit.”
Mr Kelleher added that Rodrigues self-medicates with cannabis and is in the process of applying for a legal cannabis prescription.
Magistrates disqualified him from driving for 36 months and fined him £120. He was also ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £48 court surcharge.
Crime
Warrant issued for St Davids pensioner over cannabis possession

A WARRANT has been issued for the arrest of a 71-year-old woman accused of possessing cannabis.
The Crown alleges that Barbara Lewis, of High Street, St Davids, was found in possession of 3.4 grams of herbal cannabis, a controlled Class B drug, during a police search on January 17.
Lewis was listed to appear before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday (Feb 11). Following her failure to attend, magistrates issued a warrant for her arrest at the request of the Crown Prosecution Service.
Crime
Drink driver handed suspended sentence and taken off the road

A BAGLAN man has been handed a suspended prison sentence after admitting to multiple driving offences, including driving while over the alcohol limit and while disqualified.
Nathan Lewis, 42, of Tyn Y Twr, Baglan, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 10) and pleaded guilty to three charges: driving a motor vehicle while above the legal alcohol limit, using a vehicle without insurance, and driving while disqualified.
The court heard that on February 8, 2025, Lewis was stopped on the A40 in Llanddewi Velfrey, Narberth, while driving a Toyota Yaris with the registration SL59 YCA. A breath test revealed he had 83 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, more than twice the legal limit of 35 microgrammes.
Magistrates imposed a four-week custodial sentence for the drink-driving offence, suspended for 24 months, citing his history of two similar previous offences. He was also disqualified from driving for 54 months and ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work within 12 months, along with a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
In addition, Lewis was found to have been driving without valid insurance and while disqualified. He received a further 12-week custodial sentence, suspended for 24 months, bringing his total suspended sentence to 16 weeks. His driving record was endorsed, but no additional penalty was imposed for the insurance offence.
The magistrates stated that the offences were serious enough to warrant imprisonment but acknowledged a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. The case will be supervised by Swansea Magistrates’ Court.
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